A simple and quick dinner recipe that can be put on the table in 15 minutes: Asian Glazed Spicy Salmon! Spice up your dinnertime rut with only 4 ingredients and heart-healthy, good-for-you salmon. Moist, flaky salmon that’s FULL of exciting, spicy-sweet flavor! YUM!

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Asian Glazed Spicy Salmon

A family favorite that’s healthy, fast, and tasty, I often turn to salmon for dinner. From Miso Maple Salmon Skewers, Salmon Ochazuke, or Salmon Poke Bowls — it’s a popular option in my repertoire of weeknight recipes.

And this recipe is especially easy and delicious: Asian Glazed Spicy Salmon!

Buttery, healthy, good-for-you salmon. A spicy-sweet Asian glaze with only 4 ingredients. And packed FULL of bright, fresh, mouthwatering flavor.

The simple glaze is inspired by Asian pantry ingredients. Sambal Oelek — a fresh Asian chili sauce made from chilies and garlic — provides the heat. Combined with sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar, it makes for an incredibly simple but flavorful glaze. The flavor profile is addictively spicy-sweet-tangy.

To add even more flavor, use the oven broiler. Changing the heat source from the bottom to the top ensures all those charred edges and crispy corners. And minimal clean up, since a sheet pan is all you need. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Salmon. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals, and anti-oxidants — salmon is good for your heart and full of anti-inflammation properties. For this recipe, cook individual portions of salmon OR one large filet to be served family-style. Look for salmon with even thickness. That way, the salmon will cook evenly.
• Sambal Oelek or Vietnamese Chili Garlic Sauce. A fresh chili paste or sauce that’s spicy, smoky, and intensely flavorful. The texture is loose, similar to salsa, and there are visible chunks of garlic and chili seeds. I recommend Sambal Oelek, which is a Malaysian fresh chili sauce. Or Vietnamese Chili Garlic Sauce. They are commonly used as a dipping sauce or condiment with spring rolls, grilled meats, or Hainanese chicken.
• Vinegar. For that sharp, tangy kick of flavor! I like Rice Vinegar, which is a pantry staple. Or Apple Vinegar, which is a Korean vinegar that’s floral and slightly sweet. White distilled vinegar is also good.
• Soy Sauce. For umami depth and richness.
• Sugar. Adds sweetness and balances all the heat from the chili sauce. Can be subbed with maple syrup, honey, or agave.

Instructions:

1. Make glaze. In a small bowl, add the ingredients for the spicy glaze. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reserve 1 Tbsp for later, in a separate bowl.
2. Add glaze. Using either a pastry brush or a spoon, add glaze to the salmon. Make sure to brush the sides of the salmon, as well as the tops, several times. It will look watery.
3. BROIL. Transfer sheet pan to the pre-heated oven. Broil on high heat (6-8 minutes for individual portions, 8-10 minutes for larger filet). Do not overcook! The fish is cooked through when it flakes away easily and there are charred spots here and there on the top.
4. Brush reserved glaze. While the salmon is hot, use a clean pastry brush to add the reserved glaze all over.
5. Serve. Garnish with cilantro and/or sesame seeds. Serve with rice and steamed veggies. Enjoy!

PRO Tips:

• Preheat the oven. A pre-heated oven ensures moist, flaky salmon that’s not overcooked. Turn the broiler on high and preheat for 10 minutes first.
• Rotate salmon. About halfway through the cooking process, rotate the sheet pan so the salmon is evenly cooked.
• Watch carefully! The glaze can burn easily. Keep an eye on the salmon in the last minute or two.

Essential Kitchen Tools:

• Sheet Pan. A large, rimmed sheet pan that’s thick and won’t buckle in high heat is your BFF for this recipe! I like Nordic Ware sheets pans (affiliate).
• Silicone Brush. I recommend a silicone brush (affiliate) over a boar bristle brush, as it’s easier to clean and you won’t have to worry about loose hairs that fall out.
• Parchment Paper OR Silicone Silpat. For easy cleanup. The glaze is quite messy and will stick to the sheet pan when broiled.

Serve with:

The bright, punchy flavors of Asian Glazed Spicy Salmon pair well with rice. Some options:

• Coconut Rice
• Korean Purple Rice
• white rice or brown rice

For sides, keep it simple and serve with steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, cabbage). Other nice additions: Wakame Seaweed Salad, Korean Cucumber Salad, or Quinoa Arugula Salad.

Variations:

• Salmon Bites. For a fun, quick option, cube salmon into 1-inch salmon bites. A TikTok popular technique that ensures lots of crispy corners and charred edges. And a quick cooking time!
• Air Fryer. Asian Glazed Spicy Salmon is also Air Fryer friendly. Simply place in the pre-heated Air Fryer basket and cook at 400F for 6-8 minutes. Easy and convenient.

Other easy 15-minute dinner recipes:

• Sesame Seared Tuna Steaks
• Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice
• Asian Rice Bowls